Delaware County Community College

Sexual Assault Policy

Delaware County Community College is committed to an environment conducive to the academic, professional and personal development of students, faculty and staff without the fear of sexual assault. The College prohibits and will not tolerate sexual assaults by an employee, student or other individual present on College premises. College premises are defined as property the College owns, leases or has permission to occupy for the purpose of a College-sponsored program .

Therefore, in accordance with the Pennsylvania State College and University Security Information Act 73 and the federal Higher Education Act (2 0 U . S . C . 1 0 9 2), Delaware County Community College has provided procedures to be followed should a sexual assault occur. In addition, the College will report sexual assault crime statistics as required by the law. A victim of sexual assault may bring charges through the local police department, the College disciplinary system or both. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report sexual assault incidents to the local police department. The decision to notify police rests solely with the victim. A sexual assault victim is also encouraged to receive immediate attention by an emergency room physician or gynecologist. Because of the extent of evidence legally required in cases of sexual assault, a prompt and thorough examination is necessary to assess and treat any sustained injuries. This examination will also include obtaining physical specimens, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and establishing the risk of pregnancy. It is imperative any evidence of the assault be preserved. Such evidence may include clothing, pieces of hair, body fluids and objects that may contain fingerprints. The victim of sexual assault will be assisted by the College, if the victim so requests, with an escort to medical facilities; by providing short - term, on-campus counseling services; referrals to community counseling agencies; and with the filing of criminal charges. In addition, students may request a change in academic situation after an alleged sexual assault and such changes will be made if they are reasonably available.

Initial Reporting Procedures
Any student, faculty or staff member who believes she/he is a victim of sexual assault should contact one of the following people. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent requested by the victim. While maintaining the victim's request for confidentiality, the initial contact person must notify the Department of Security and Safety that an alleged sexual assault has occurred.

Main Campus
Counselor on duty - ext. 5324
Safety and Security Department - ext. 5111
Health Center Nurse - ext. 5140

Off-Site Centers and Campuses
Counselor on duty
Site director

Chester County Campus
484-237-6290
Exton Center 610-450-6305
Malin Rd. 610-723-4000
Southeast Center 610-957-5735

The initial contact person will ensure the victim's physical, emotional and safety needs are attended to promptly. The victim will be advised of her/his options for further actions and assist the victim in pursuing those options.

College Disciplinary System
Sexual assault is considered a major violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Conduct and Discipline Committee hears cases involving major violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding. The accused student and the Director of Student Services may agree to waive the Student Conduct and Disciplinary Committee hearing. In that case, the Director of Student Services' discipline decision is final. Both the accuser and the accused will be informed of the outcome of the disciplinary proceeding .

Possible sanctions for a major violation are :

1. Disciplinary probation
2. Suspension
3. Dismissal
4. Expulsion
5. Other sanctions consistent with the severity of the violation

The minimum sanction is disciplinary probation. The maximum sanction is expulsion from the College.

Counseling Services for Victims of Sexual Assault
Short - term counseling services are available through the Career and Counseling Center located on the Main Campus in room 1325. If more in -depth counseling services are requested, the Career and Counseling Center will readily assist and provide referral information to community counseling services .

Sexual Assault Education Programs
Written resource materials are readily available at the Health Center and Career and Counseling Center. Informational bulletin board presentations and the Health Center publication Lifelines also address topics of sexual assault throughout the year. Periodic sexual assault workshops are conducted by the Career and Counseling Center.